What is Delta-8-THC?
Delta-8 THC (Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol or D8) is a naturally occurring chemical compound called a cannabinoid that’s found in small traces in hemp and marijuana plants. It’s become increasingly popular because of its similarity to delta-9 THC (D9), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis plants. D8 is also psychoactive and is commonly synthesized from the hemp materials, making it federally legal in the United States. The fairly new compound is known to cause euphoric, happy yet sedative effects while increasing appetite.
What’s the Difference Between Delta-8-THC, Delta-9-THC, and CBD?
D8 and D9 are both forms of THC. In common usage, when people refer to THC they are generally talking about marijuana-derived Delta-9-THC.
D8-THC can cause effects similar to regular D9-THC, but many users report it being relatively less potent. Chemically speaking, both cannabinoids have a chain of carbon atoms, but D8 has the double bond on the eighth carbon, whereas D9 has it on the ninth. D8 binds to the endocannabinoid system in a slightly different fashion because of the location of its double bond. This is what is thought to make D8 much less potent than the common D9 THC. However, due to being relatively new, more research needs to be done on how it directly interacts with the human body.
Cannabidiol (CBD), is another common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is known for sharing many of the same therapeutic and medical effects as THC, but the large distinction is that CBD lacks the intoxicating effects.
How Will Delta-8-THC Affect You?
D8 consumers report many of the same beneficial effects as D9 THC, such as mild euphoria, happiness, uplifting feelings, and relief from some symptoms such as pain and sleeplessness. The general consensus is that the compound is less potent than D9, but consumer reports seem to vary widely. Anecdotal feedback from customers and DHB staff indicate that D8 has more body focused and sedative effects. Other factors such as diet, tolerance, and fat content may impact each individual’s personal experience.
Common side effects may be similar to those of D9 THC, including dry mouth, red eyes, increased appetite, short-term memory, paranoia, or anxiety. Higher doses tend to increase your likelihood of negative side effects. Due to Delta-8 being relatively new, more research is needed on any long-term effects it may have on the mind and body. Regardless of one’s experience or tolerance levels, we recommend starting with a low dose to gauge how D8 may impact you.
How is Delta-8-THC Made?
Due to the fact that naturally-occurring D8 is found in such insignificant amounts in the cannabis plant, the D8 commonly seen being sold on the market is often synthesized from hemp-derived CBD using a process called isomerization. The same process is sometimes utilized to produce high D9 THC distillates from low-potency cannabis extracts.
The process of isolating D8 THC involves exposing hemp extracts (consisting primarily of CBD or THC) to acidic conditions, while using a little bit of heat to speed it up (sometimes), and plenty of time (approximately 12 hours). Once the reaction is complete, the sample is tested for purity, the pH is neutralized, and any solvents that were added need to be removed in their entirety. This controlled process is not to be confused with how research chemicals like K2 or “Spice” are generally produced.
What Exactly is Isomerization?
Isomers refer to molecules made with the same elements and have the same number of atoms — but share a different chemical structure. For example, D8 THC is an isomer of D9 THC. CBD and THC are also isomers of each other because they have the same chemical formula — C21H30O2. The only difference is a chemical bond.
The process of isomerization involves creating an environment that facilitates the transition of one isomer to another. This can happen naturally under certain conditions. For example, changes in pH, temperature, or exposure to catalysts can all cause CBD and THC to turn into other isomers of itself.
Scientists recently discovered the conditions necessary to facilitate the isomerization of CBD to D8 THC. A decrease in the pH of the extract and plenty of time for the reaction to complete is all that the process requires.
Is Delta-8-THC Similar to K2 or Spice?
Synthetic cannabinoids — also known commonly by the name of “Spice”, “K2”, or “Research Chemicals” — first became available in the U.S. in the mid-2000’s. These synthetic products are designer drugs in which incense or other leafy materials are sprayed with lab-synthesized liquid chemicals to mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in the naturally grown cannabis sativa plant. Synthetic cannabinoids are sometimes incorrectly called “synthetic marijuana” (or “fake weed”). Some examples of synthetic cannabinoids (the active ingredients) commonly used to make K2 and spice include HU-210, CP 47,497 and homologues, JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-398, JWH-250, oleamide, and more.
Although synthetic cannabinoids can still affect the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, there is no actual marijuana plant involved in the process of making synthetic cannabinoids meaning that they are not marijuana derivatives. Although D8 is commonly manufactured synthetically using cannabis-derived CBD, it is not considered a “synthetic cannabinoid”. K2 and Spice have serious negative side effects, and have had serious consequences on society.
Is Delta-8-THC Similar to K2 or Spice?
Synthetic cannabinoids — also known commonly by the name of “Spice”, “K2”, or “Research Chemicals” — first became available in the U.S. in the mid-2000’s. These synthetic products are designer drugs in which incense or other leafy materials are sprayed with lab-synthesized liquid chemicals to mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in the naturally grown cannabis sativa plant. Synthetic cannabinoids are sometimes incorrectly called “synthetic marijuana” (or “fake weed”). Some examples of synthetic cannabinoids (the active ingredients) commonly used to make K2 and spice include HU-210, CP 47,497 and homologues, JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-398, JWH-250, oleamide, and more.
Although synthetic cannabinoids can still affect the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, there is no actual marijuana plant involved in the process of making synthetic cannabinoids meaning that they are not marijuana derivatives. Although D8 is commonly manufactured synthetically using cannabis-derived CBD, it is not considered a “synthetic cannabinoid”. K2 and Spice have serious negative side effects, and have had serious consequences on society.
Is Delta-8-THC Natural or Synthetic?
D8 THC can be chemically converted from both D9 THC and CBD. Often manufacturers resort to the synthesis of this compound from other cannabinoids due to its low expressed levels in the natural plant. The synthesis of a compound from another natural compound doesn’t necessarily lead to the production of a “synthetic compound” meaning that D8 is a naturally-derived, synthesized cannabinoid. This is not to be confused with fully synthesized products like K2 or Spice.
Can Delta-8-THC Result In a Positive Drug Test?
When taking a particular substance for medical or recreational use, your body metabolizes it to notice and activate the effects of these substances. As they get metabolized by the liver, residual metabolites remain in your blood, urine, saliva, sweat, hair, and lungs. Fun fact — labs don’t actually check for your THC levels — Instead, they look for the metabolites produced by your body when the liver is done processing THC. This metabolite is usually THC-COOH, which can stay with you for days or even weeks after the actual date consumption — and even longer if you’re a heavy consumer.
D9 and D8 are built very similarly, meaning that both can show up on a drug test because the human body processes them in a similar way. Since both compounds end up as the same metabolite (THC-COOH), drug testing labs are currently unable to establish the difference between D9 and D8 THC.
In short — Delta-8 can result in a positive, or failed, drug test for THC.
How Do I Know If I Have Taken Too Much Delta-8-THC?
Every user has a different tolerance level to D8 that is typically not related to their overall cannabis tolerance. A few signs that you may have ingested too much D8 include uncomfortable or intense dry mouth, anxiety, paranoia, lethargy, increased heart rate, confusion, numbness or other symptoms you may describe as unfavorable
Delta-8 is not known to be fatal, but if you feel that you may have ingested too much, please call your local poison control center or immediately visit the closest Urgent Care Center
What Do We Do As A Business to Help Ensure the Safety of Our Community While Providing Delta-8-THC Products?
Here at District Hemp Botanicals, safety is of utmost importance to our team. We have implemented rigorous testing requirements to ensure the quality and efficacy of all of our products. We go as far as to require third-party lab results for each product variant to ensure what is being marketed on the packaging is what is actually being consumed
We have implemented a strict age restriction (21+) on all D8 and vape products to do our part in ensuring that any intoxicating products are not falling into the hands of minors. We also provide complimentary child-proof bags for storage for our customers that have children and pets at home. As new research continues to surface, we have a responsibility to continue educating our community.
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